The Rise of Moises Caicedo and Other Emerging Soccer Talents

The soccer world has undergone a radical transformation since James Rodriguez made his debut on the global stage. Today, very few players are signed solely based on their performances in major tournaments. Recent examples include Sofyan Amrabat, Aleksandr Golovin, Randal Kolo Muani, and Cody Gakpo, some of whom have not fully lived up to expectations. Essentially, replicating Rodriguez’s level of impact in 2026 will be exceedingly difficult.

However, players like Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, and Aurelien Tchouameni have managed to establish themselves as top talents in Europe. Each of these individuals played a significant role in the 2022 World Cup and has since continued to excel at the highest levels with trophy-winning teams. There are indeed exceptions to the trend of skepticism toward one-tournament wonders.

It is a common concern that teams may be hesitant to invest in players who perform exceptionally well for a limited time. Some athletes simply shine during key moments, while others, like England’s Jordan Pickford, may deliver standout performances for their country that do not translate to their club environments. There remains uncertainty regarding whether such form can be sustained.

The case of Rodriguez is particularly unique. He was a player capable of dominating a game, captivating audiences, and attracting the attention of those new to the sport. One could easily imagine spectators asking, ‘Who is that player?’ in numerous languages across the globe. In simpler terms, Rodriguez was a joy to watch and enjoyed considerable success.

In contrast, other players have not garnered the same level of excitement. While Fernandez scored an impressive goal during the group stage, he primarily serves as a tempo-setting midfielder. Mac Allister, Tchouameni, and Caicedo are more industrious, workmanlike footballers, although their individual talents should not be underestimated.

For the argument at hand, we seek players who can take over games or significantly influence outcomes. We need those who can deliver goals, assists, and memorable moments—individuals who stand out on the pitch. The challenge lies in the fact that, in today’s age of social media and advanced scouting, most players of interest are already recognized. No aspect is overlooked any longer.

Nonetheless, Valerio Paz is a player worth monitoring. He embodies the archetype of an exciting midfielder, being a left-footed attacking talent thriving in a less prominent team.

Paz made a notable impact during his inaugural season in Serie A, scoring six goals and providing eight assists over 2,700 minutes of play. This year, he has matched those numbers in just 1,800 minutes. He demonstrates an ability to create opportunities and score, with half of his goals coming from outside the box, and only one originating from a free-kick. In Como’s recent match against Lazio, Paz scored twice, including a spectacular strike from the edge of the penalty area.

Beyond scoring, Paz’s dribbling statistics are impressive; he ranks in the 88th percentile among midfielders for successful dribbles. He is also in the 30th percentile for dispossessions, indicating his proficiency in maintaining possession once he identifies his opportunities. Overall, his profile is promising.

However, there is a potential hurdle regarding Paz’s nationality. As a member of the Argentine national team, he competes alongside Lionel Messi, a player with whom comparisons are inevitable. The presence of an iconic figure like Messi leaves little room for another standout talent, especially one recognized globally with eight Ballon d’Or awards. Traditionally, the Albiceleste requires a squad that contributes to the team’s collective efforts for the benefit of their captain.

That said, there remains an opportunity for creativity within the team. Angel Di Maria played a pivotal role in the 2022 World Cup-winning squad and subsequently retired from international football following the 2024 Copa America. Additionally, Julian Alvarez has made significant contributions alongside Messi in both attacking and midfield roles. Paz has demonstrated in brief appearances that he can effectively coexist with Messi on the field, having combined well in friendly matches while also showcasing his willingness to fulfill more industrious roles.

Of course, it is worth noting that Messi has yet to commit to participating in the upcoming World Cup, and his inclusion remains uncertain. Should he decide not to participate, this could create the perfect scenario for Paz to shine.

Adding to the intrigue is the fact that Paz is technically owned by Real Madrid. After coming through the La Fabrica academy, he earned favorable comparisons to Zinedine Zidane during his formative years. Paz has already made four appearances with Los Blancos, and the club reportedly possesses a club-friendly €9 million buyback clause.

Yet he is not the only young talent poised to make an impact. Gilberto Mora, the 17-year-old from Club Tijuana, is anticipated to play a crucial role for Mexico and could attract attention with a strong tournament performance. Meanwhile, Sota Kitano has impressed with Salzburg this season and is expected to play a key role for Japan. Given his connections within the Red Bulls system, a transfer to RB Leipzig seems likely, but a standout showing could prompt interest from even larger clubs. Additionally, teenage center-back Noahkai Banks has been performing well with Augsburg and may secure a starting position with the USMNT.

In conclusion, the landscape is rich with promising young talent. While many of these players are already recognized, it is essential to recall that at the time of the 2014 World Cup, Rodriguez was playing for Monaco, Mac Allister and Caicedo were with Brighton in 2022, Fernandez was with Benfica, and Gakpo was excelling in the Eredivisie with PSV. Today’s tournaments serve as platforms for established players to truly showcase their abilities.

Paz may not fit the mold of a traditional breakout star, but like those before him, he is not an unknown commodity either. This summer could very well be the moment where he, akin to Rodriguez, seizes the opportunity to dominate a tournament.